Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Most people planning the EBC trek spend weeks obsessing over gear lists and costs. Then they land in Lukla with zero idea what the trail actually looks like — which days climb hard, where altitude becomes dangerous, where the route gets rough.
This guide fixes that.
Below is the complete EBC route map broken into daily stages — every overnight stop, every altitude number, walking time, terrain type, and the specific warnings that matter for Indian trekkers flying in from sea-level cities.
The numbers: 130km round trip. Starts at Lukla (2,860m). Tops out at Kala Patthar (5,545m). Two mandatory acclimatisation stops. 12–14 days total.
EBC Trek Route — The Full Picture
The Khumbu Valley route runs south to north, following the Dudh Koshi River upstream from Lukla all the way to the foot of Everest. It is a single main trail — no major forks, no navigation nightmares. What makes it hard is not complexity, it is altitude.
The terrain changes completely as you gain height. Dense rhododendron and pine forests below Namche. Open yak pastures around Dingboche. And above Lobuche — nothing but rock, glacier moraine, and wind.
Trek Stat | Detail |
Total distance (round trip) | ~130 km |
Maximum altitude | 5,545m — Kala Patthar |
EBC altitude | 5,364m |
Starting point | Lukla — 2,860m (35-min flight from Kathmandu) |
Trek duration | 12–14 days including acclimatisation days |
Total elevation gain | ~3,500m from Lukla to EBC |
Overnight stops | 8 unique locations (some repeated on descent) |
Suspension bridges | 8–10 major crossings |
Highest night camp | Gorak Shep — 5,140m |
🇮🇳 FOR INDIAN TREKKERS: Indian trekkers from Delhi (216m), Mumbai (11m), or Bangalore (920m) board a plane and 35 minutes later stand at Lukla — 2,860m. Your lungs haven't adapted at all. This is why Day 1 is a gentle descent to Phakding, not a climb. Your body needs time. Give it that time. |
Day-by-Day EBC Route Map — Altitude, Distance and Walking Time
Every stage below is based on the standard 12-day itinerary. Altitude figures are confirmed. Walking times are realistic averages — not the fastest-group numbers.
Day | Route | Start | End | Change | Dist | Time | Terrain |
Day 1 | Lukla → Phakding | 2,860m | 2,610m | −250m | 8 km | 3–4 hrs | Forest, riverside, 2 suspension bridges |
Day 2 | Phakding → Namche | 2,610m | 3,440m | +830m | 11 km | 5–6 hrs | Hillary Bridge, steep climb, park entry Monjo |
Day 3 | Acclimatisation — Namche | 3,440m | 3,800m (hike) | Hike high sleep low | 4–5 km | 3–4 hrs hike | Hotel Everest View hike, first Everest sighting |
Day 4 | Namche → Tengboche | 3,440m | 3,860m | +420m | 10 km | 5–6 hrs | Ridge walk, Ama Dablam views, monastery |
Day 5 | Tengboche → Dingboche | 3,860m | 4,410m | +550m | 11 km | 5–6 hrs | Imja Khola valley, Pangboche, altitude kicks in |
Day 6 | Acclimatisation — Dingboche | 4,410m | 5,100m (hike) | Hike high sleep low | 5–6 km | 4–5 hrs hike | Nagarjun Hill — 360° Himalayan view |
Day 7 | Dingboche → Lobuche | 4,410m | 4,940m | +530m | 9 km | 4–5 hrs | Thukla memorial, Khumbu Glacier moraine begins |
Day 8 | Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC | 4,940m | 5,364m → 5,140m | +424m → −224m | 13 km | 7–9 hrs | Rocky glacial moraine, prayer flags at EBC |
Day 9 | Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar → Pheriche | 5,140m | 5,545m → 4,240m | +405m then big descent | 14 km | 7–8 hrs | Pre-dawn summit, Everest panorama, long descent |
Day 10 | Pheriche → Namche | 4,240m | 3,440m | −800m | 16 km | 6–7 hrs | Rapid descent — knees take strain here |
Day 11 | Namche → Lukla | 3,440m | 2,860m | −580m | 18 km | 6–7 hrs | Longest day, forest trail, back to Lukla |
Day 12 | Lukla → Kathmandu | 2,860m | 1,400m | — | — | 35 min flight | Weather-dependent — always build a buffer day |
WARNING: Day 8 — Lobuche to Gorak Shep to EBC and back — is the hardest day on the entire trek. 13km at above 4,900m on loose rocky moraine. Start before 7am, eat properly the night before, and move at 60% of your normal pace. This is not the day to push. |
INTERNAL LINK: Anchor → "day-wise trek distance and hours" | Destination → EBC-06 — EBC Trek Distance Guide Context: Natural link after the day-wise table — readers wanting more distance detail go here |
Trail Terrain — Section by Section
Lukla to Namche (Days 1–2) — Forest, Rivers, First Big Climb
The trail drops from Lukla on Day 1 — which surprises people expecting to climb immediately. That descent is intentional. It lets your body settle before the serious work begins on Day 2.
Day 2 is the first real test. The climb to Namche gains 830m, with the steepest section coming right after the Hillary Suspension Bridge — a swaying cable bridge over the roaring Dudh Koshi at around 3,250m. That post-bridge climb is relentless. Most trekkers who underestimate it arrive at Namche exhausted. Take the bridge section slowly.
• Park entry checkpoint at Monjo — your guide handles permit checks here.
• Yak and mule traffic starts below Namche. Always step to the uphill side and let laden animals pass.
• Hillary Bridge at ~3,250m is the most photographed point on the trail. The climb immediately after it is the steepest section on the entire route.
Namche Bazaar (Day 3) — The Khumbu's Capital
Namche at 3,440m is a proper mountain town — bakeries, gear shops, ATMs, hospital, museum. Most trekkers are surprised. The acclimatisation hike to 3,700–3,800m is not optional. Climbing high and sleeping low triggers red blood cell production. Do not skip this day thinking you feel fine.
🇮🇳 FOR INDIAN TREKKERS: Namche has the last reliable ATMs before you return to Kathmandu. Withdraw enough NPR cash — tips, WiFi, charging, snacks, buffer money. Peak season ATMs run dry. Carry more than you think you need. |
Namche to Dingboche (Days 4–5) — Where Altitude Becomes Real
Above Namche the landscape opens. Ama Dablam — shaped like a perfect pyramid — starts dominating the skyline. Tengboche Monastery at 3,860m is one of the highest monasteries in Nepal. The morning puja before you continue is worth the early wake.
By Dingboche at 4,410m the air is noticeably thinner. Headaches that were mild at Namche often become more pronounced here. That is expected. What is not expected — and what you should watch for — is if they get worse after 24 hours of rest.
Dingboche Acclimatisation (Day 6) — Most Important Day on the Trek
The Nagarjun Hill hike to 5,100m is the single most important preparation you will do. At 5,100m you are above every peak in India. The oxygen is 54% of sea level. Your body learns what is coming.
WARNING: AMS symptoms at Dingboche and above: persistent headache unresolved by rest or paracetamol, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep. Mild versions are normal. If symptoms worsen after 24 hours — do not continue. Descend 300–500m immediately. Altitude kills people who ignore this. |
Dingboche to Lobuche (Day 7) — Thukla Memorial and the Upper Khumbu
The path passes Thukla Pass (4,620m) where stone cairns and plaques mark climbers lost on Everest — Scott Fischer, Rob Hall, and many others. It is a sobering stop. Above Thukla the vegetation disappears entirely. Lobuche at 4,940m is functional, cold, and basic. Eat well. Sleep early.
Lobuche to EBC (Day 8) — The Day That Counts
Gorak Shep at 5,140m is the last stop. The trail to EBC crosses the Khumbu Glacier moraine — rocky, uneven, cairn-marked. Everest's summit is NOT visible from Base Camp itself. It is hidden behind the Khumbu Icefall and West Ridge. What you see is the glacier, expedition tent platforms, prayer flags, and the sheer wall of the Icefall above. The experience is about being there.
TIP: Reach EBC before 11am. Cloud builds in the Khumbu valley most afternoons. Clear conditions mean better experience and photos. Return to Gorak Shep takes 2–3 hours on tired legs — budget time accordingly. |
Kala Patthar (Day 9) — The Real Everest View
Kala Patthar at 5,545m is where the famous Everest summit photograph is taken. Start at 4–5am by headtorch. The climb takes 1.5–2 hours from Gorak Shep. At this altitude the air has 52% of sea-level oxygen. Short steps. Consistent breathing. Do not stop moving entirely.
On a clear morning from the summit cairn: Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Pumori (7,161m) — all in one panorama. This moment is what the entire trek is for.
EBC Elevation Profile — Where the Dangerous Gains Happen
Stage | Altitude Range | Net Gain | Risk Level | Watch For |
Lukla → Namche (Day 2) | 2,610m → 3,440m | +830m | Moderate | Biggest single day climb — Hillary Bridge section hits hardest |
Namche acclimatisation | 3,440m → 3,800m day hike | Managed | Low | First headaches normal — part of the process |
Namche → Dingboche (2 days) | 3,440m → 4,410m | +970m | Moderate–High | Appetite drops, sleep disturbs — expected above 4,000m |
Dingboche acclimatisation | 4,410m → 5,100m day hike | Managed | Moderate | AMS becomes serious risk above 4,500m — monitor all group members |
Dingboche → Lobuche | 4,410m → 4,940m | +530m | High | Thukla Pass (4,620m) — go slow, no racing the group |
Lobuche → EBC | 4,940m → 5,364m | +424m | Very High | Rocky moraine + altitude = fatigue doubles. Slow and steady. |
Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar | 5,140m → 5,545m | +405m | Very High | 52% oxygen. Shortest steps of your life. Worth every one. |
🇮🇳 FOR INDIAN TREKKERS: Sea-level Indian trekkers need both acclimatisation days — no exceptions. Trekkers who skip Namche's rest day 'because they feel fine' are the ones who develop AMS above Dingboche. Your body's adaptation at 3,440m is not visible from outside. Trust the process. |
Kala Patthar vs Everest Base Camp — Which One to Do
Almost no competitor blog answers this directly. Here is the honest answer:
| Everest Base Camp (5,364m) | Kala Patthar (5,545m) |
Everest summit visible? | No — blocked by Khumbu Icefall | Yes — clearest non-aerial view on Earth |
What you actually see | Glacier, prayer flags, expedition camps | Everest + Lhotse + Nuptse panorama |
Physical difficulty | Hard — rocky moraine terrain | Harder — steeper, less oxygen, colder |
Best departure time | Early morning before cloud builds | 4–5am pre-dawn for sunrise on summit |
If you can only do one | Base Camp — it is the named destination | Kala Patthar — for the photograph |
Recommendation | Do both — standard 12-day itinerary includes both | Day 8 = EBC, Day 9 morning = Kala Patthar |
Everest Camps Map — What Exists Above Base Camp
Camp | Altitude | Who Goes Here | What It Is |
Base Camp (EBC) | 5,364m | Trekkers + expedition teams | Trek endpoint. Glacier staging area. No technical skill needed. |
Camp I | 6,065m | Expedition climbers only | Above Khumbu Icefall. Technical climbing starts here. |
Camp II / ABC | 6,500m | Expedition climbers only | Acclimatisation rotation camp on South Col route. |
Camp III | 7,200m | Expedition climbers only | Lhotse Face. Fixed ropes required throughout. |
Camp IV / South Col | 7,950m | Summit push teams only | Final camp. Extreme altitude — death zone begins at 8,000m. |
Summit | 8,849m | Summit climbers | Highest point on Earth. Spring season window only. |
Standing at Base Camp and looking up at the Khumbu Icefall — the chaotic jumble of seracs and crevasses directly above — puts everything in perspective. Every Everest expedition team climbs through that icefall multiple times. The contrast between your trek and what lies above it is one of the most humbling moments the mountain offers.
Offline Maps for the EBC Trail — Download Before Lukla
• Maps.me — Best free option. Download Nepal → Khumbu region offline. Shows trail, teahouses, altitude. Works on phone GPS without SIM.
• Gaia GPS — Preferred by serious trekkers. Topographic layers, elevation profile, track recording. Paid, worth it.
• Google Maps offline — Works for Kathmandu and lower trail. Degrades above Namche. Backup only.
• AllTrails — EBC route with elevation profile. Good for pre-trip visualisation before departure.
TIP: Your phone GPS works without mobile data or SIM. Download the offline map in Kathmandu — not in Lukla where WiFi is slow and expensive. Once downloaded, you will always see your position as a blue dot on trail, regardless of connectivity. |
Alternative EBC Start Points — Worth Knowing
Route | Start Point | Extra Days | Key Difference | Best For |
Classic (Lukla) | Lukla 2,860m — by flight | Standard | Best infrastructure, most common | All first-timers |
Jiri start | Jiri 1,905m — road from KTM | +5–7 days | Gradual altitude gain, far fewer crowds | Time-rich trekkers |
Salleri start | Salleri 2,400m — short flight | +2–3 days | Middle ground between Jiri and Lukla | Moderate extra acclimatisation |
Three Passes route | Lukla start, loop via passes | +4–5 days | Crosses 3 passes above 5,300m | Experienced high-altitude trekkers only |
For Indian trekkers on a first EBC trip — classic Lukla start, no question. The Jiri route adds useful low-altitude acclimatisation days, which genuinely helps sea-level bodies, but requires 5–7 extra days off work.
What to Do After EBC — The Natural Progression
EBC is not the ceiling. For many Indian mountaineers, it is the starting point.
Trekkers who complete EBC comfortably — especially those who felt strong at Kala Patthar (5,545m) — are physically ready to consider a guided summit climb. Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m) is the most logical next step. It is located in the same Khumbu region, uses a similar acclimatisation base, and requires basic technical skills — crampons, fixed rope, ice axe — that can be learned in a pre-climb training day.
It is the climb most EBC graduates attempt when they decide they are not done with the Himalayas.
Trek EBC with TrekYaari
TrekYaari operates Everest Base Camp treks from New Delhi with experienced licensed Sherpa guides and full Nepal-side logistics. Every itinerary includes both acclimatisation days — structured specifically for Indian trekkers arriving from sea level.
• Fixed departure dates through spring and autumn
• Licensed Sherpa guides — multiple Khumbu seasons
• All permits handled — Sagarmatha, Khumbu Municipality, TIMS
• India-based team reachable before, during, and after your trek
• Full INR pricing — no USD conversion surprises
Contact: trekyaari.com | WhatsApp: 9310545460 | Toll Free: 1800 889 1805
3rd Floor, Tower 819A, Palam Colony, New Delhi — In front of Palam Metro Station Gate No. 1